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Shay Given says Arsenal star is ‘miles ahead’ of player Man Utd sold to Chelsea

Newcastle United v Everton FC - Premier League
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given (Picture: Getty)

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has questioned Chelsea’s decision to sell Noni Madueke to Arsenal.

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal spent £50m to sign Madueke from their London rivals given his mixed form at Stamford Bridge.

Madueke scored 20 goals in 92 appearances for Chelsea following his £28.5m move from PSV in 2023.

While Madueke blew hot and cold in west London, he did help Chelsea qualify for the Champions League and win the Conference League last season while breaking into the England team.

Still, a number of fans and pundits were underwhelmed by Arsenal’s move for Madueke, especially given the number of players that have made the switch from Chelsea to Arsenal in recent years.

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Madueke is already starting to prove his doubters wrong, however, making a bright start to his Gunners career and impressing for England during the recent international break.

Ex-Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville recently admitted he was ‘surprised’ by Madueke’s level since his move to the Emirates Stadium.

Athletic Club v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1
Arenal signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Given has also been impressed by Madueke and says he is ‘surprised’ Chelsea decided to sell the 23-year-old England winger.

Chelsea signed Alejandro Garnacho in a £40m move from Manchester United after Madueke’s exit but Given says the Arsenal summer signing is ‘miles ahead’ of the new Chelsea star.

Garnacho made a bright cameo in his Chelsea debut against Brentford at the weekend but then faced criticism for his role in the hosts’ late equaliser.

‘I’m actually surprised that Chelsea let Noni Madueke go because it looks like they’ve replaced him with Alejandro Garnacho and at the minute you would say Madueke is miles ahead of him,’ Given said on The Monday Night Club on BBC Radio 5 Live.

‘I think Madueke is going to just get better and better as well. He’s still a young player, still going to be improved under Mikel Arteta I’m sure. He looks to be enjoying his role at Arsenal.’

Manchester United hero Gary Pallister also believes Chelsea will end up ‘regretting’ their decision to sell Madueke.

Chelsea Unveil New Signing Alejandro Garnacho
Chelsea signed Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

‘I think Chelsea fans will be regretting that their club sold him to Arsenal,’ Pallister told BetWright. ‘He’s clearly a talent, but for whatever reason, Chelsea fans chose to dislike him.

‘You look at some of the players Chelsea have let go in the past like Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne – I think this sale could come back and haunt Chelsea, especially considering they’ve helped strengthen one of their London rivals.

‘He’s a big threat on that right hand side. He’s got quick feet and he’s looking like a very good signing for Arsenal in these early stages.’

Madueke started Arsenal’s opening Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night.

Chelsea kick-start their European campaign on Wednesday with a trip to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Enzo Maresca’s side are unbeaten so far this season but have dropped points in two London derbies against Crystal Palace and Brentford.

Chelsea face a Bayern side managed by Vincent Kompany who have already shot to the top of the Bundesliga table with three wins from three.

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